Ellis stared down like he didn’t recognize me. To be honest, I hadn’t been able to recognize myself in a long time. I’d spent my life so worried about the opinions of others, to the point it became to the detriment of how I thought of myself. When Dad had gotten sick, that compulsion had only grown worse.
I had this stupid, half-cocked notion that I had to settle down and get married, no matter who was waiting at the end of the aisle—that I needed to focus on stability and worldly comforts rather than the kind that nurtured my soul.
By all accounts, Ellis had fit the bill. Successful, reasonably good-looking, and well, I’d already known him. Our families had known each other since before they had kids, and most importantly… Ellis had never cheated on a girlfriend.
Believe me, I’d asked around. Not much goes on in Ashwood without someone knowing.
But I was a fool to ignore the warning signs. Everywhere I looked, little red flags popped up, waving their banners blatantly in front of my face. This had been a long time coming. I was too little too late to come to the realization that Ellis Martin was after one thing and one thing only: my connections.
Ellis surged forward, causing the glasses to rattle as he crashed into the table. He reached for my arm, jerking me off the stool and toward his body with a shattering force. “We’re leaving,” he growled. “You’re going to sleep off whatever this fit is, and then we’re going to hope you wake up in a better fucking mood.”
“Like hell I am,” I said, looking down at his tightening grip. “Let go of me.”
“Not a chance in hell,Josie.” He sneered my name like it was shit under his expensive heel. “Not until you start fucking acting right.”
“Jesus, Ellis. You’re hurting me,” I hissed, trying to pry hishand from my arm to no avail. His grip was merciless, and I knew it’d bruise.
“Is it because ofhim?” he growled, pressing his forehead against mine. His other hand traveled to my ass and squeezed. “Are youfuckingthat low-life bastard? Is that why you won’t?—”
Stools scraped against the concrete floor, and footsteps thundered as the crushing weight of Ellis’ body was gone. I stumbled back, looking up in time to see Lincoln’s fist collide with Ellis’ cheek. With one blow, my ex went tumbling into the tables next to us.
Someone yelled for security, and Davey came running. Bishop held his arm out, stopping him before he could break them up.
“You willnevertouch her again, you understand me?” Lincoln followed him, grabbing his collar and forcing him upright. His eyes were wild, and he was unhinged. There was a dangerous vibe rolling off him I’d never seen before. “Don’t fucking look at her. Don’t call her. Don’t even think about her.” His voice was low and dangerous, a warning wrapped in a promise.
“You’re fucking crazy,” Ellis slurred, regaining his composure and breaking free from Lincoln’s hold. He tried looking at me, but Lincoln grabbed his face and forced it back to him.
“What did I just say?”
“Lincoln, stop,” I called, rushing forward and laying my hand on his elbow. His body shook under my touch, vibrating with barely restrained rage. “Stop. He isn’t worth it.”
Lincoln threw up his hand, letting Ellis stumble back against the table. “I’m done. It’s over,” he muttered as Davey barreled through to break up the fight. Lincoln wrapped his arm around my waist, tugging me close until there was no space between us.
I didn’t stop to question why or think about how quickly everything seemed to go to shit. He pressed his cheek against the crown of my head, inhaling deeply to center himself.
Two men pushed Ellis toward the door, but he wasn’t done. Hedodged them, running right into the two of us, sending Lincoln and I crashing to the ground. Lincoln tried to break our fall, but he couldn’t turn in time. I landed on the ground with a thud, the breath leaving my lungs with a whoosh.
“Hope the bitch was worth it,” Ellis shouted. “You’ll be hearing from my lawyers—” His words cut off in a cry as Davey and Lennox reached him at the same time.
I couldn’t be sure, but I thought I heard him begging my sister for mercy as he was shoved out of the building.
“Josie,” Lincoln said, taking me into his arms. He didn’t so much as look back at the bastard making a scene. “Are you okay? Lemme see you, baby.”
He cupped my face, sweeping it with wild eyes. “I’m okay, I promise. It was just a fall.”
“I’ll fucking kill him,” he seethed, his gaze darting toward the door.
“No,” I said quickly, placing my hand over his. He winced, and I pulled back immediately. “Let me see your hand.” I tried to wiggle out of his hold, but he shook his head.
“I’m fine, Josie,” he muttered through gritted teeth.
I reached around and poked the swelling skin again, causing a string of curses to fly from his mouth. “Fine, my ass. Now let me see, dammit.”
Lincoln let me pull him to the small alcove near the door where it was clear. I pulled my phone out of my back pocket and turned on the light. “Really, I’m fine. I’ve been in plenty of fights in my life?—”
“Hold this,” I said, pushing my phone toward him. He didn’t argue, doing as he was told while I ran my fingers over his already bruising skin.
He was right. It’d probably be fine. There was a chance of a minor fracture, given the swelling, but there was nothing to be done other than pain relievers and ice.
